Head and Neck Cancers
Oncology section
Head and neck cancers encompass a group of malignancies that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, and thyroid gland. These cancers can arise from various cell types within these structures and can have different clinical presentations, treatment approaches, and prognoses. The prevalence of head and neck cancers varies worldwide and depends on factors such as
geographical location, socioeconomic status, lifestyle habits, access to healthcare, and prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. Head and neck cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer cases worldwide. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 890,000 new cases of head and neck cancers were diagnosed globally in 2020, with around 450,000 deaths attributed to these cancers.
ABOUT HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Understanding HEAD AND NECK CANCER
Varieties of Head and Neck Cancers: An Overview
Types of Head and Neck Cancers:
Oral Cavity Cancer: Cancer that develops in the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, and other parts of the oral cavity. Pharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that originates in the throat, specifically the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. Laryngeal Cancer: Cancer that arises in the larynx (voice box). Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer: Cancer that develops in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and adjacent structures. Salivary Gland Cancer: Cancer that originates in the salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Thyroid Cancer: Cancer that arises in the thyroid gland, located in the neck. Head and Neck Skin Cancer: Skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma, can also occur in the head and neck region.
Head and neck cancers can involve both germline and somatic genetic alterations that contribute to their development and progression. Germline mutations are inherited genetic changes present in all cells of an individual's body, while somatic mutations are acquired alterations that occur specifically in the cancerous cells of the head and neck tissues.
Germline Genes:
TP53 (Tumor Protein p53):
CHEK2 (Checkpoint Kinase 2):
CDKN2A (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A):
MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2:
Somatic Genes:
Somatic mutations in RAS genes, including HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS, are frequently observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). RAS mutations can activate downstream signaling pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation.
